The Maharashtra government is facing criticism over alleged unfulfilled promises regarding Urdu Academy’s Golden Jubilee celebrations and staff expansion. Despite assurances, only one staff appointment has been made so far, and the funds allocated fall drastically short of expectations, reported the Inquilab.
While ₹5-10 crore was promised for the Golden Jubilee programmes, only ₹1.2 crore has been sanctioned. Similarly, against the demand of ₹2 crore for office expenses, the academy has been granted merely ₹11 lakh.
Professor Saeed Khan, President of DotankiKhetwadiNagarik Parishad, raised the issue on social media, tagging Minister for Minority Affairs ManikraoKokate and reminding him of the commitments. Samajwadi Party MLA Rais Shaikh also wrote to Kokate and Deputy Chief Minister AjitPawar, demanding that promises be honoured.
Shaikh said that during previous meetings with former Minority Affairs Minister Dattatraya “Mama” Bharne, several assurances were made, including not shifting the Academy’s office from Old Custom House. “This is not just negligence but also injustice and discrimination against the Urdu language and community,” Shaikh said.
He further demanded that ₹50 crore be allocated to the Academy, with year-long programmes to mark the Golden Jubilee. “The current allocation of ₹1.2 crore for the jubilee and ₹11 lakh for office expenses is negligible, like a drop in the ocean,” he added.